Celebrating the life of David Distel McNamara

Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
David.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.

We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.

Obituary for David Distel McNamara

David Distel McNamara of Knoxville, Tennessee passed into eternal life 4-26-18 at home with his family present after a lengthy illness. He was born 6-20-1935 in Portsmouth, Ohio to Mary Elizabeth Distel McNamara and Thomas James McNamara. After graduation from Saint Mary’s Catholic School in Marion, Ohio, he spent four years in the U.S. Navy serving on board the USS Wasp Aircraft Carrier. He worked at Security Central National Bank as public relations director for several years before founding and owning McNamara Printing and Paper, Inc. in 1966. In 2008 he retired and moved to Knoxville, Tennessee. Throughout the years he served in many civic organizations with past memberships in the Portsmouth Elks, Portsmouth Catholic Knights of Columbus and Wheelersburg, Ohio Kiwanis. While serving as president of the Portsmouth Junior Chamber of Commerce he was active in starting Portsmouth River Days. After his move to Knoxville, Tennessee he volunteered his time frequently providing clothing to those in need and visiting the sick in an area nursing home. He was a member of Saint Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church in Portsmouth, Ohio and after moving to Knoxville, Tennessee he was a member of Saint John Neumann Catholic Church in Farragut, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his parents, unborn child Francis Clare and nephew Colby Lynch who was co-owner of McNamara Printing and Paper. David is survived by his wife of 54 years Ruthmarie Lynch McNamara, daughter and son-in-law Marie McNamara Casey and Timothy Brian Casey of Knoxville, Tennessee. He is also survived by a brother Roger (Susan) McNamara of St. Mary’s, Georgia, niece Colleen (Gunther) Helms of St. Mary’s, Georgia, nephew Thomas McNamara of Cincinnati, Ohio, Michael (Lisa) McNamara of Cincinnati, Ohio, and several cousins. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday May 1, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Saint John Neumann Roman Catholic Church, 633 Saint John Court Knoxville, Tennessee 37934 with Reverend Monsignor Patrick Garrity as the celebrant. The family will receive visitors 1 hour prior to the Mass at the church. Entombment will take place at Edgewood Abbey Chapel Mausoleum at Memorial Burial Park in Wheelersburg, Ohio at a later date.In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to a homeless shelter or food bank of your choice.

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of David Distel McNamara, please visit our
Tribute Store.